Multitasking has always been what I have considered one of my strengths. I have felt that I can shift from task to task, completing only those items which must be done, always knowing what I need to complete next, As the projects or tasks I must complete increase, the more I must remember, my strategy now includes making lists of items that are prioritized and time bound. The “Time Management Matrix” created by Stephen Covey in the “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, has been very helpful.
What I have learned in these readings about my “strength” is that it may not be as beneficial to my work. It has proven to be a valuable lesson in multitasking and how I choose to pay attention to my priorities. I have a newfound interest to spend time paying attention to what matters most in my life.
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The question becomes, is shifting my attention worth the time lost returning back to my focus. They have found through experimental evidence that there is a switching cost. There are a rare few who don’t experience this, the majority of people experience some cost, he refers to this short interval as an attentional blink. What I learned was that it can take up to a half hour to regain concentration on a central task afterward. There are times when I have experienced attentional blinks that have lasted that long, I just never realized what happens.
Multi-tasking is mistakenly believed, by myself and many others, as a way to complete our work. Unfortunately this mindset allows justifies our procrastination. Often, I find that I rush through my projects, causing the quality of my work to decline. Unfortunately, when I succeed in an acceptable manner I feel justified in thinking I can multi-task. This is especially true for my students